Analysis of Changes in Water-Level Dynamics at Selected Sites in the Florida Eve

The historical modification and regulation of the hydro- logic patterns in the Florida Everglades have resulted in changes in the ecosystem of South Florida and the Florida Everglades. Since the 1970s, substantial focus has been given to the restoration of the Everglades ecosystem. The U.S. Geo- logical Survey through its Greater Everglades Priority Ecosys- tem Science and National Water-Quality Assessment Programs has been providing scientific information to resource manag- ers to assist in the Everglades restoration efforts. The current investigation included development of a simple method to identify and quantify changes in historical hydrologic behav- ior within the Everglades that could be used by researchers to identify responses of ecological communities to those changes. Such information then could be used by resource managers to develop appropriate water-management practices within the Everglades to promote restoration.